The Sunday Stew
Editors: Jennifer Rasmussen, Kallan Kennedy
The Sunday Stew is a free, e-publication delivered every Sunday as a loving gift to the Pagan community. All submissions are the intellectual property of their authors, and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the blog owner. All photos are used with permission.
We welcome your feedback! Please be sure to tell us how we're doing and give us suggestions for improvement. Please leave a comment below. We look forward to hearing from you!
This week's stew's flavor is the Spirit of Independence. Those of us who live in the United States will be celebrating our independence from England on July 4. While traditionally we celebrate with picnics, cookouts and fireworks, there are all kinds of ways to celebrate freedom from tyranny. We honor all who fight for their own independence in whatever form it takes. The Stew Crew welcomes a new addition to our kitchen: Rhonda DeFelice, also known as the Good Green Witch. We are thrilled to have her on board and we know she'll bring you all kinds of great information on how we can work together to save the environment. Did you get that cup of caffeination? Ok, then, let's dig right in!
Happy Birthday this week to Wind Raven, Dawn Rast, Molly Clee, Redwolff Wise Wolff Champion, Jeanette Cheeks, Faelyn Kindle-Witch, Jennifer Parker, Pertho Pathfinder, Toni Campbell, Tammy Namasky, Dorothy Cappolla, Judika Illes, Christine Conner, Sara Carbaugh, and Steve Provost. May this be your best birthday ever, and may your next year of life bring you joy, peace, happiness, success and the very best of life in abundance.
In the News
This segment features news from around the world. The articles do not reflect the views of the staff of The Sunday Stew, nor the blog owner. We believe you should be informed as to what is going on in the world where the terms Paganism and Witchcraft are concerned.
Stonehenge Constructed by 'Cowboy Builders"
The Real Witches of Bushwick Turns Altars into Art
Three Accused of Practicing Witchcraft
African Woman Deported From Saudi Arabia For Witchcraft
Witchdoctor Rape Claim
Burning Witches in Denmark
The Invisible Plight
Ebola, Snakes and Witchcraft
The Real Witches of Bushwick Turns Altars into Art
Three Accused of Practicing Witchcraft
African Woman Deported From Saudi Arabia For Witchcraft
Witchdoctor Rape Claim
Burning Witches in Denmark
The Invisible Plight
Ebola, Snakes and Witchcraft
Prophet in Court for Witchcraft Slur
The bloody battle for the name Isis
Witchcraft Prayer Removed from Huntsville City Council Record
The bloody battle for the name Isis
Witchcraft Prayer Removed from Huntsville City Council Record
Pagan Lore with Karen Szabo
Good Morning to you, Sunday Stew readers! I hope your weekend is going perfectly for you. Are you ready for the week's Pagan Lore -- and can you believe we're moving into July already? Time is flying way too quickly......
Sunday, June 29
On this date in Appleton, England, the boughs of a large and very old hawthorn tree are decorated with flowers, flags, and ribbons as part of a centuries-old Pagan tree-worship ritual known as Bawming the Thorn.
This is also a sacred day to Papa Legba, a powerful loa in the Voodoo religion. Originally a Dahomean sun god, Papa Legba is worshipped as the spirit-master of pathways and crossroads, and is the most important deity of the Vodoun pantheon.
Monday, June 30
This is the Day of Aestas. The ancient Roman corn-Goddess of summer is honored each year on this sacred day. Corn bread is traditionally served at Wiccan gatherings. This day is sacred to the Pagan and Native American goddesses Ceres, Changing Woman, Chicomecoatl, the Corn Mothers, Demeter, Gaia, Ge, Hestia, Iatiku, Oraea, Pachamama, Spider Woman, and Tonantzin.
Tuesday, July 1
The month of July opens in Nepal with the Naga Panchami festival, which is devoted to the Snake-Gods called Nagas. Sacred snake images are displayed on religious altars, offerings are made at snake holes, and parades featuring live serpents fill the main streets of many villages.
In Japan, this day is sacred to Fuji, the ancient Japanese Goddess of fire. Fuji is also regarded as the Grandmother of Japan, and on this special day (which also marks the start of Mount Fuji Climbing Season) she is honored with prayers and burnt offerings.
Wednesday, July 2
On this day in ancient times, the citizens of Rome celebrated the Feast of Expectant Mothers. At temples throughout the city, all pregnant women gathered to receive blessings and honor Bona Dea, Carmenta, Lucina, and other Goddesses associated with birth and fertility.
Thursday, July 3
The New Year of the Seminole Indian tribe of Florida begins on this date, and is celebrated with an annual Green Corn Dance honoring the new corn crop.
In Italy, this day is sacred to the Witch of Gaeta, while in Greece, the Goddess Athena is honored.
Friday, July 4
Today is U.S. Independence Day. On this day, the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the official "birth" of the United States is celebrated by Pagans and non-Pagans alike. On this day, many patriotic American Wiccans honor and give thanks to Lady Liberty, and perform magickal spells and rituals for the benefit of the country.
Today is also the Day of Pax. On this day in ancient times, Pax (a Roman Goddess of peace and harmony, identified with the Greek Goddess Concordia) was honored with feasting and revelry.
Also on this day, the spirits of the mountains are honored by the Mescalero Apache Gahan Ceremonial, while the Great God who dwells within the fire of the Sun is paid homage to by the Ute Indian tribe of Utah and Colorado, who perform an annual Sun Dance.
Saturday, July 5
Every year on this date, the Aphelion of the Earth takes place. When this occurs, the planet Earth reaches the point in its orbit when it is farthest from the Sun. Many astrologers consider this to be a highly significant event. In ancient Egypt, this day was held sacred to Maat, the Goddess who presides over truth and wisdom.
Hope you enjoyed the Lore, and that you have a safe and Happy 4th of July weekend! See you next week,
Karen
Independent Avon Representative
Serving all your Avon needs -- come see what's new!
http://www.youravon.com/karenszabo
Sunday, June 29
On this date in Appleton, England, the boughs of a large and very old hawthorn tree are decorated with flowers, flags, and ribbons as part of a centuries-old Pagan tree-worship ritual known as Bawming the Thorn.
This is also a sacred day to Papa Legba, a powerful loa in the Voodoo religion. Originally a Dahomean sun god, Papa Legba is worshipped as the spirit-master of pathways and crossroads, and is the most important deity of the Vodoun pantheon.
Monday, June 30
This is the Day of Aestas. The ancient Roman corn-Goddess of summer is honored each year on this sacred day. Corn bread is traditionally served at Wiccan gatherings. This day is sacred to the Pagan and Native American goddesses Ceres, Changing Woman, Chicomecoatl, the Corn Mothers, Demeter, Gaia, Ge, Hestia, Iatiku, Oraea, Pachamama, Spider Woman, and Tonantzin.
Tuesday, July 1
The month of July opens in Nepal with the Naga Panchami festival, which is devoted to the Snake-Gods called Nagas. Sacred snake images are displayed on religious altars, offerings are made at snake holes, and parades featuring live serpents fill the main streets of many villages.
In Japan, this day is sacred to Fuji, the ancient Japanese Goddess of fire. Fuji is also regarded as the Grandmother of Japan, and on this special day (which also marks the start of Mount Fuji Climbing Season) she is honored with prayers and burnt offerings.
Wednesday, July 2
On this day in ancient times, the citizens of Rome celebrated the Feast of Expectant Mothers. At temples throughout the city, all pregnant women gathered to receive blessings and honor Bona Dea, Carmenta, Lucina, and other Goddesses associated with birth and fertility.
Thursday, July 3
The New Year of the Seminole Indian tribe of Florida begins on this date, and is celebrated with an annual Green Corn Dance honoring the new corn crop.
In Italy, this day is sacred to the Witch of Gaeta, while in Greece, the Goddess Athena is honored.
Friday, July 4
Today is U.S. Independence Day. On this day, the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the official "birth" of the United States is celebrated by Pagans and non-Pagans alike. On this day, many patriotic American Wiccans honor and give thanks to Lady Liberty, and perform magickal spells and rituals for the benefit of the country.
Today is also the Day of Pax. On this day in ancient times, Pax (a Roman Goddess of peace and harmony, identified with the Greek Goddess Concordia) was honored with feasting and revelry.
Also on this day, the spirits of the mountains are honored by the Mescalero Apache Gahan Ceremonial, while the Great God who dwells within the fire of the Sun is paid homage to by the Ute Indian tribe of Utah and Colorado, who perform an annual Sun Dance.
Saturday, July 5
Every year on this date, the Aphelion of the Earth takes place. When this occurs, the planet Earth reaches the point in its orbit when it is farthest from the Sun. Many astrologers consider this to be a highly significant event. In ancient Egypt, this day was held sacred to Maat, the Goddess who presides over truth and wisdom.
Hope you enjoyed the Lore, and that you have a safe and Happy 4th of July weekend! See you next week,
Karen
Independent Avon Representative
Serving all your Avon needs -- come see what's new!
http://www.youravon.com/karenszabo
Sparkle and Shine with Sosanna
Independence
As we head into the month of July, one of the hottest months of the year for us here in North Carolina, I find myself reflecting on 4th of July. Independence Day. Many people see independence differently. We can be independent thinkers, meaning we don’t follow along with the crowd. We ask questions and get down to the bottom of things. We open books and follow links to find the real story. We search and search until we are satisfied that we have found the right answer.
From the magical point of view, we can be independent by not relying on others to help us in our rituals. Now this one is a bit trickier because I believe that as a Pagan, as a Hecatean, I want to have like-minded people around me. However I do not need to have them here, approving of my offerings, telling me that my candles are set up correctly in order to feel at one with my deity.
We can be independent in our relationships. I love my hubby. He is my soul mate. He is my world.
Without him I would be lost. However, if he passed away, I know he’d want me to take care of the animals and myself. I rely on him for many things in my world. But he, is not me. I am independent from him in that way.
We choose to put ourselves in positions that make us dependent on other things, from the approval of a group of friends to the acceptance of an online community.
As our country celebrates another Independence Day, take a moment to reflect on those things that you are dependent on, be it a cigarette or a partner. Look deeply at this and understand that really the only things you are actually physically dependent on are food and air. Everything else is optional.
You are in control of exactly two things: what you say and what you do. Everything else is out of your circle of control. Let all the rest, all those other things outside your circle, float away. Control what you do, and let the rest go.
Happy Independence.
Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna
)O(
There and Back A-hen: Just a bunch of clucking nonsense with Melissa "Chicky" Cassick
Samsyn
In my 2013 retrospective piece for “The Sunday Stew,” I mentioned that a member of our household left us halfway through last year, under unpleasant circumstances. The sudden upheaval caused me to question my judgment, re-evaluate who I should trust, and attempt to discern who I was all over again.
Not a comfortable thing to do at the age of 44.
Now, I am 45. And like my daughter, who recently turned six, I can tell you what a difference a year makes.
And, I can show you my hair.
My hair has been long and short and asymmetrical and bobbed and shagged and shaved and layered and straight and curly and highlighted and permed and bleached and pink and purple and red.
Its changes quite often heralded some bit of unhappiness or unease on my part. Messing with my hair was an easy fix: a few bucks for a box of hair color, a trip to the salon -- or more likely my own scissors slicing through a ponytail, since I’m cheap and impatient. I could be a new person when I stepped out of the bathroom.
But, not really.
Cutting my hair couldn't make me happy with my ex-husband.
Dyeing it couldn’t make me years younger.
And, most of the time, when I made a change, I spent a lot of time afterward wishing I could change it back.
And, wondering why I had bothered.
And, knowing that my temporary changes were symptomatic of something larger that I didn't want to admit to myself.
So when she left…
I colored my hair purple.
And, sat and cried.
I thought about who I was, and who I wasn’t, and why I wasn’t, and how I could be someone else, and why I would want to be, and I kept my feelings inside, then dribbled them all over people perceptive enough to see them, and I became negative and frightened, and I wondered who my real friends were, and how I could know, and who did I need in my life, and who should go?
I hacked at my hair in the mirror, chopped at the back, then decided to grow my bangs out, and bought a bunch of bands to keep it out of my face, and I detested how it looked.
I distanced myself from people I had loved, because her name kept coming up, and it hurt and angered me more than I could bear. I cut off people I had known since childhood, people I considered family, people who actually were family. I hated her, I hated them, and I hated myself most of all.
I gained weight; more than I was comfortable with. And I colored and cut my hair again because it was easier than losing weight.
And then I stopped.
There’s no moment I can point to, no single person I can credit with drawing me out. I just know that one day, I looked in the mirror, and I didn’t want to change anything. I had stopped seeing myself through her eyes. I was seeing myself as I was, and I liked me.
I wanted to be me, after all.
So, I lost a couple of pounds; enough to feel comfortable in my favorite clothes again. And I started watching the movies and TV shows I liked.
And, I went where I wanted to go, and did what I wanted to do, and let go of what I needed to let go of, and stopped worrying about it.
And, I stopped cutting and coloring my hair, and I stopped using shampoo and product of any sort. My hair grew and grew, unfettered, untamed, unchallenged, unapologetic.
That’s part of who I wanted to be, you see. If you show me a picture of a soft, plump woman, with long hair, my first thought is, “That’s my Goddess” and my second thought is “That’s ME.”
With every inch of new black hair, interspersed with sparkling grey, I felt born again. I felt real and whole, and I knew who I was again every time I caught sight of my reflection or took a selfie. I was done questioning, and working on becoming.
It seems such a small thing, doesn’t it? But, consider it the next time you wander down the hair care aisle, or stumble upon an infomercial for some miracle system. Our bodies are not the be all and end all of who we are, by any means -- but while we are inhabiting them, they matter. Creating the body we wish to live in is creating sacred space. How you care for yourself reflects how you see yourself.
I think I am seeing myself clearly at last.
Sunshine's Meanderings with Kathleen Lane
Independence Day
"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."
This was written by John Adams to his wife Abigail a very long time ago. So began a celebration to recognize our freedom from British rule. Of course, we had to do it again 20+ years later, but the idea was there.
The definition of independence is "self-control" and while that overall concept may have worked for us as a new country, it certainly did not apply to a great many of the inhabitants of this country. The tribal people were being driven from lands that they had always occupied, many of our founders had slaves and indentured servants and women had few rights of any kind. So I guess "independence" only really applied to a part of the population.
In very few of the original states did women have the right to own property and the tribal people had no concept of property ownership. How did you own your "Mother?” Slaves had no property rights of any kind and neither did indentured servants. In some states, it wasn't until well into the 1800's that women had the right to own their own property. And we all know how long it took for ownership of other humans to end.
Maybe we need to rethink what it is that we celebrate every July 4th. It could be renamed "Independence for White Males of the Former British Colonies" and make the name a bit more honest.
From Madness to Mindfulness with Jennifer Rasmussen
Personal Independence
Independence: the Oxford Dictionary defines this as “the fact or state of being independent.” The United States celebrates its independence from England on July 4th every year. Mexico celebrates its independence from Spain annually on September 16th. A great number of other nations also celebrate their independence on various dates throughout the year (click here for a fairly comprehensive list), but how often do you hear of an individual celebrating their personal independence? This is something I want to explore more fully in my own life.
To me, personal independence means being free from the expectations and hurtful words of others, relying only on me for my happiness, and freedom from unhealthy habits. These are not easy things to do (I’m still working on them).
Oftentimes, I find myself hurt by things that are said to me or about me. I have even caught myself questioning my intuition as a result. When I do that, depression creeps in, and I find myself ruminating on past mistakes. These incidents are becoming less frequent since I have begun studying mindfulness.
When I allow myself to be hurt by the words and/or actions of others, I am passing judgment and allowing that judgment to affect my mood. That is giving away too much power, and I will never win the battle for independence that way. When I allow myself to hear the words or experience the action without passing judgment, I can let go much more easily, and maintain my happiness.
Since I have begun this journey, anger and depression rear their heads less and less. I find myself calmer and more in control of my emotions because I am not re-living the past or pre-living the future. I am learning to live in the present and accept whatever comes. I am taking responsibility for my happiness and not letting other people get to me as much as they used to. I am working on freeing myself from my dependence on unhealthy habits. When I achieve those goals, it will mean I am closer to personal independence.
As you celebrate our nation’s independence this weekend, what steps will you take to gain personal independence?
The Good Green Witch aka Rhonda DeFelice
ENdependence Day
Independence Day. It’s entirely possible we may have strayed a bit from the point. By and large, July 4th is simply another day to get a day off work, to party, to drink into a stupor, to moan about having to go to work the next day, to be loud, to set off fireworks until it’s far too late into the night and the neighbors become annoyed, to fret about our pets being too scared…. and most of all, to waste.
We’ll have a party over at my cousin’s house on the 5th. It’ll be great fun. There WILL be lots of alcohol. And oh yes, there will be paper plates, Styrofoam plates, those horrific Red Solo Cups, plastic water bottles, plastic forks and knives and spoons, and no one will give it a thought because it’s the 4th of July! A fun time will be had by all! Not a care in the world!
When you love the planet, parties and barbeques become somewhat painful: something to be endured. I spend the day holding my tongue. I turn down the cup of coffee that will be the result of a Keurig. I drink only from glass containers. (Um, WINE, hello?? What else do you need?) Sometimes - and this can be lots of fun if you want to be obnoxious about it - I use my own bamboo utensils. Oh sure, my cousins are used to my “quirks” by now, and have become maybe a touch more conscious about the stuff. Mostly they just joke. I think I need a new angle.
This year, I have a plan, that new angle. Heck, I’m already the Weird One; anything else I say at this point will not be shocking. But THIS year, I think I will just throw this out as a topic of conversation, just mostly moreover basically to amuse myself, because I’ve stopped expecting results with this crowd…. Yep, I’m going to somehow someway work THIS into the conversations, and maybe it will go something like so:
“Independence Day. Wouldn’t it be nice if we were really independent?”
“Why Rhonda, whatever do you mean? We are independent! I mean, duh, look around!”
“Not really. If you think about it, aren’t we completely dependent on plastics and fossil fuels? It would be nice to be independent from Big Oil. How can we celebrate Independence Day knowing we are SO dependent on something else?”
Of course, this is the point they snort, scoff, dismiss, deride, wave off. I can only hope that I planted a seed. It’s what I do. I plant seeds and walk away to let it grow on its own. Maybe someone hears me. Maybe someone will eventually have a half-second thought about something. Maybe their kids, who pretty much disregard me as well, will pick up some small shred along the way. As a Green Witch, I try to step lightly upon our beautiful Earth. If they won’t hear me, at least maybe they can learn by example. It’s worth a try, anyway.
Let’s see if anyone else out there manages to work that into the festivities of the day. Eh, look at it this way: It’s a good way to never get invited over again! There’s your assignment for this fun summer bashes: “Endependence.” It’s my new theme for July. Report back how many laughs you get versus thoughtful nods.
Independence Day. It’s entirely possible we may have strayed a bit from the point. By and large, July 4th is simply another day to get a day off work, to party, to drink into a stupor, to moan about having to go to work the next day, to be loud, to set off fireworks until it’s far too late into the night and the neighbors become annoyed, to fret about our pets being too scared…. and most of all, to waste.
We’ll have a party over at my cousin’s house on the 5th. It’ll be great fun. There WILL be lots of alcohol. And oh yes, there will be paper plates, Styrofoam plates, those horrific Red Solo Cups, plastic water bottles, plastic forks and knives and spoons, and no one will give it a thought because it’s the 4th of July! A fun time will be had by all! Not a care in the world!
When you love the planet, parties and barbeques become somewhat painful: something to be endured. I spend the day holding my tongue. I turn down the cup of coffee that will be the result of a Keurig. I drink only from glass containers. (Um, WINE, hello?? What else do you need?) Sometimes - and this can be lots of fun if you want to be obnoxious about it - I use my own bamboo utensils. Oh sure, my cousins are used to my “quirks” by now, and have become maybe a touch more conscious about the stuff. Mostly they just joke. I think I need a new angle.
This year, I have a plan, that new angle. Heck, I’m already the Weird One; anything else I say at this point will not be shocking. But THIS year, I think I will just throw this out as a topic of conversation, just mostly moreover basically to amuse myself, because I’ve stopped expecting results with this crowd…. Yep, I’m going to somehow someway work THIS into the conversations, and maybe it will go something like so:
“Independence Day. Wouldn’t it be nice if we were really independent?”
“Why Rhonda, whatever do you mean? We are independent! I mean, duh, look around!”
“Not really. If you think about it, aren’t we completely dependent on plastics and fossil fuels? It would be nice to be independent from Big Oil. How can we celebrate Independence Day knowing we are SO dependent on something else?”
Of course, this is the point they snort, scoff, dismiss, deride, wave off. I can only hope that I planted a seed. It’s what I do. I plant seeds and walk away to let it grow on its own. Maybe someone hears me. Maybe someone will eventually have a half-second thought about something. Maybe their kids, who pretty much disregard me as well, will pick up some small shred along the way. As a Green Witch, I try to step lightly upon our beautiful Earth. If they won’t hear me, at least maybe they can learn by example. It’s worth a try, anyway.
Let’s see if anyone else out there manages to work that into the festivities of the day. Eh, look at it this way: It’s a good way to never get invited over again! There’s your assignment for this fun summer bashes: “Endependence.” It’s my new theme for July. Report back how many laughs you get versus thoughtful nods.
The Magical Gardener with Johanna Lawson
Gardening Is Freedom
To garden is to be free. Sure, we garden for the big beautiful colorful blooms to fill the vases of our homes, for the juicy fruits and vegetables to place on our tables at meals, and for the fragrant herbs to use in cooking, healing and magic. Of course we garden to help Mother Earth to heal, starting in our own backyards. We garden because we love nature and are forging a deeper connection with it. But there is another reason we garden. It may not be something we often consider as we tend to our plants. We garden for freedom.
Let me first give you this example (Be ready for a little math here!): A home gardener purchases a packet of tomato seeds from an organic seed supplier containing 25 seeds for $2.75. The gardener plants the seeds in recycled egg cartons and, out of the 25 seedlings, 10 of them are hardy and able to be transplanted to the garden. The gardener tends to them organically, using compost from their own compost pile as fertilizer and watering it with water collected in a rain barrel. The gardener has reused last year’s stakes and cages for the growing tomato plants. Now get ready for the math. One tomato plant can yield on average 8-12 pounds of tomatoes. The current national average price of tomatoes is $1.64 per pound. With no additional costs for water or fertilizer, the gardener harvests approximately 80-120 pounds of tomatoes for $2.75. If that gardener were to purchase that same amount of tomatoes at the local supermarket, the cost would be somewhere between $131.20 and $196.80…for tomatoes!
Now think about this: That same gardener knows that no chemicals have been used to grow those tomatoes, which is healthier for the environment, for pollinators like bees, and for the gardener. By eating healthier and reducing the chemicals in their food, the gardener lessens their need for medical care, saving on healthcare costs. In using rain water, the gardener has saved a valuable resource. The tomatoes can be used fresh for salads, salsa and sandwiches or can be cooked down into sauce and canned for the coming year, saving even more money. The gardener did not have to drive to the supermarket, saving on gas and lessening the amount of pollution in the atmosphere. Just by planting those tomatoes, the gardener has created a healthier body, a cleaner environment, and saved some money.
We often do not think of how planting one thing like a tomato plant affects so many other things. By planting a garden, we move away from dependence on the corporate ways of the world and move closer to self-sufficiency, better health, a cleaner environment, and a less stressful life. We move closer to nature, working with it rather than against it. We are free from the trappings of an ever-increasing unnatural world and, therefore, we are better stewards of the Earth. Ultimately, our spirits are then free to work our magic and walk our Pagan paths.
Yes. To garden is to be free.
My Blog: http://johanna-villagewisewoman.blogspot.com/
Saga's Spirit with Loren Morris
Summer Stargazing and Galaxy Shirt Instructions
I love being able to go into my backyard in summer and look up at all the stars. I love seeing the moon and the jewels surrounding her, thinking about galaxies and their beauty.
I ran across a cool craft last week and I thought I would try my hand at it and show you guys how to do it. It makes an unbelievably beautiful shirt. This technique could also be used with shoes, a handbag, or pants.
But, while making the shirt I began to think that a stargazing post was in order. I mean this is something that you can do as a family. It starts a great discussion on myths and beliefs, and you can learn science facts. Plus, you can make these shirts beforehand and wear them while you are stargazing!
Checklist for stargazing:
1. Choose a site with low lighting. You don't want light pollution to ruin your experience.
2. Preferably a site with good, flat land. You don't want it to be close to running water if you have little ones. You don't want accidents to happy. Also avoid large trees so that they won't block your views.
3. If you have a telescope, take it!
4. Things to sit on: chairs and blankets.
Get the rest of the story at Saga's Cottage Blog
Cooking by the Seasons with Kallan Kennedy
Blackberries
This is one of my favorite fruits of all time. Blackberries have grown across Asia, Europe and the Americas for tens of thousands of years. Archaeological records show that European inhabitants ate them as long ago as 8,000 BC.
During World War One, children in England were given time off school to collect blackberries for the production of juice that was sent to soldiers to help maintain health.
Today there are over 2,000 varieties found throughout the cooler regions of the world. Blackberries are more highly prized as a food in Britain and Northern Europe than anywhere else in the world.
BUYING
If possible, don't - wild berries have a depth of flavour rarely rivalled by cultivated varieties. Take a container and an umbrella (for hooking branches) and search out brambles near you, avoiding roadside or polluted spots. Even in cities you can find blackberries growing on scrubland, canalside paths and in wooded areas.
Alternatively try a farmers' market or a pick-your-own farm (good blackberries aren't widely available in supermarkets as they're difficult to transport intact). Look for plump, dry, darkly-coloured fruit that are neither too firm nor too squishy. Check the bottom of the container for stains from soft and mushy berries. Trust your sense of smell to help you gauge quality and ripeness.
STORING
Keep blackberries dry and cool and eat within a day or two. Blackberries freeze well and it's a good idea to get a few bags in the freezer to use with apples in puddings throughout the winter. Spread unwashed berries in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid before transferring to air-tight bags or containers.
PREPARING
Wash thoroughly before use. Blackberries vary in sweetness so adjust the amount of sugar you add to recipes according to taste.
Blackberry Cobbler
Ingredients
2 C Berries, frozen or fresh
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1 cup self rising flour
1 cup sugar
1 stick butter or margarine
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt stick of butter in oven proof casserole dish in oven while mixing ingredients. Place 1 T margarine on top of berries in a small bowl. Pour 1/2 cup sugar over berries. Stir. Heat so that sugar begins to melt. (1 minute on high for those of you who use the microwave).
Mix together 1 cup flour and 1 cup sugar until blended. Pour in 1 cup milk and mix until blended.
After butter is melted, take casserole out of oven and pour batter on top of melted butter. Pour berries on top of batter. DO NOT STIR! Sprinkle a tablespoon of sugar over cobbler. Place in 350 oven and cook for 55 minutes or until golden.
Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, or both.
Too heavy? How about a healthy alternative?
Peach Blackberry Compote with Basil Syrup
This comes from The Essential EatingWell Cookbook (2004)
Ingredients
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons dry white wine
3 sprigs fresh basil, plus more for garnish
2 2-1/2-inch strips orange zest
3 cups sliced peeled peaches, (3-4 medium) (see Tip)
1 cup fresh blackberries
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Preparation
Combine sugar and wine in small saucepan; bring to a simmer. Remove from heat. Add 3 basil sprigs and orange zest; stir to immerse. Cover and let steep for 30 minutes.
Strain syrup into a small bowl, pressing on basil and zest to release maximum flavor.
Shortly before serving, combine peaches, blackberries, lemon juice and basil-infused syrup in a serving bowl; toss gently to coat. Serve garnished with basil sprigs.
Peach Blackberry Compote with Basil Syrup
This comes from The Essential EatingWell Cookbook (2004)
Ingredients
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons dry white wine
3 sprigs fresh basil, plus more for garnish
2 2-1/2-inch strips orange zest
3 cups sliced peeled peaches, (3-4 medium) (see Tip)
1 cup fresh blackberries
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Preparation
Combine sugar and wine in small saucepan; bring to a simmer. Remove from heat. Add 3 basil sprigs and orange zest; stir to immerse. Cover and let steep for 30 minutes.
Strain syrup into a small bowl, pressing on basil and zest to release maximum flavor.
Shortly before serving, combine peaches, blackberries, lemon juice and basil-infused syrup in a serving bowl; toss gently to coat. Serve garnished with basil sprigs.
Broome Shtick with Rob Houck
'Broome Shtick' was born out of cartoonist Rob Houck's desire to hear less crickets at night, and more cackling witches. Check out more of his witchy/toony goodness on Facebook, and find out why the Reverend John Hale is saying, 'God save us all from Rob Houck.'
This Week in Astrology
All Times EDT
Planets in Retrograde (Rx)
Mercury (until Tuesday, July 1)
Saturn (until July 20)
Jupiter (until November 18)
The Week at a Glance:
- Moon is Void of Course (VoC) until 4:42am, then moves into Leo
Monday, June 30
- All's Quiet in the Heavens
- 6:16am: Waxing Crescent Moon
- 8:49am: Mercury Stations Direct
- 4:08pm-5:23pm: Moon VoC then moves into Virgo
- Great evening for business transactions after 5:23pm
- Great Day for Business: All Day
- Great Day for Business: All Day
- 12:21am-5:42am : Moon VoC then moves into Libra
- 7:58am: First Quarter Moon
The Weekly Divine with Kallan Kennedy
Kallan Kennedy is a professional tarot/totem intuitive with more than 20 years of divination experience. She offers private readings to her clients via her website, Secret Services. Order your personal reading today!
This Week's Tarot: 7 of Pentacles
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| Sacred Circle Tarot |
With Mercury just now coming out of Rx this week, this card couldn't come at a more opportune time. We've just passed the New Moon in Cancer, and it's a good time to take a moment to pause, reflect and check on our progress. We're about halfway through the secular year, so it's also a good time to stop and take a look at where we started, where we are, and where we want to go. We may need to make some difficult business and/or financial decisions this week. Take it slow. Don't rush anything or make rash decisions at this time. You may be ready to reap the rewards of some very hard effort. Be sure to take the time to determine whether the return on that investment was worth it.
This Week's Totem: Whale
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Whales are the world's largest mammals, and the Blue Whale is the largest creature on Earth. These warm-blooded creatures have blubber to insulate and store food they need. Whale bones are soft and porous, enabling them to store food in the form of oil, unlike land mammals whose bones are hard. The softness of their bones enables them to grow to an enormous size and still float in the water.
Clik here to view.
Whales are the world's largest mammals, and the Blue Whale is the largest creature on Earth. These warm-blooded creatures have blubber to insulate and store food they need. Whale bones are soft and porous, enabling them to store food in the form of oil, unlike land mammals whose bones are hard. The softness of their bones enables them to grow to an enormous size and still float in the water. Underwater, whales do not see well, but they have excellent hearing and use echo-location to communicate with other whales. By using their powerful tail flukes to steer and propel them, they are able to utilize their fins to twist and turn about in the water.
Having been born with a protective coat of blubber, whales know how important insulation can be. They understand the sacred power of water and realize the importance of taking time out to breathe. Their sensitivity to sound and movement connects them to the core energy of primal life.
The Native Nations of South America and the Pacific Coast of North America all honored the whale. Many tribes had elaborate ceremonies to choose warriors who were worthy to hunt the whale.
Europeans considered whales to be symbols of the world, the body, and the grave.
Whales seen swimming are a sign of good luck for many peoples, while a beached whale meant ill tidings for the entire community, even disease, since a decaying corpse could spread sickness.
Whales are associated with compassion and solitude, and knowledge of both life and death. They are also associated with unbridled creativity. The exhalation through the blowhole symbolizes the freeing of one’s own creative energies. Sound is also a creative force of life. Whales use sonar and echo-location, linking them to the tutelage of direction and response to feedback. Though whales are symbolic of free use of creativity, they are also teachers of how to use creative energies more conservatively.
Whale reintroduces us to our creative and intuitive energies to show us a talent we've forgotten about or haven't been aware existed. People with this totem are able to understand the ancient language of "energy vibrations," and are able to distinguish where others are truly coming from. Whale asks us to recall our past and listen to its stories so we can creatively heal old wounds.
Whale is the keeper of Akashic records. Those who carry whale medicine are said to have its medicine of utilizing sound to bring up memories of ancient knowledge encoded in their DNA. "To recall why the shaman's drum brings healing and peace is to align with whale's medicine" (Animal Medicine Cards, Jamie Sams and David Carson).
Whale's messages bring:
Deeper Awareness
Cosmic Consciousness
Emotional Rebirth and Understanding
Nurturing and Devotion to Community
Appreciation for Beauty, (especially song and dance)
The Importance of Balance (emotional and otherwise)
Use sound in your workings and meditations this week.. whatever you like.. spend some time recalling your ancestral knowledge and using it for your best good.
In case you haven't seen this yet, Migaloo, Australia's rare white humpback whale, has been spotted on the move. Here's a little video of him. I don't think Captain Ahab won this one ;)
That's it for this week's Stew. Mull. Digest. Enjoy!
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